Pevensey is a village just to the east of Eastbourne in East Sussex. Like many Sussex villages, it has a long history. Nearby Pevensey Bay is where William the Conqueror landed at the start of the Norman invasion. Before that, Pevensey itself was a peninsula and the Romans built a fort here. For a small village, it is packed with interesting architecture and things to do – both in the village itself and in the surrounding area.
Pevensey Castle
Any visit here really has to start with Pevensey Castle which dominates the village. As you drive in from the A27, the ancient wall and gateway beckon you in. The castle was in fact the site of a Roman Saxon shore fort built in around 290 AD. After the Romans had gone, the Normans arrived, straight off their boats! It’s now owned by English Heritage and is understandably a scheduled monument. You can pay to visit or just walk around the grounds and look across the moat to the castle walls.
The Mint House
Across the street from the castle, the Mint House also has a number of fascinating stories to tell. A Grade II Listed building, it dates back 500 years and has been a civic building, a home, and an antiques shop. In June 2024, it won the London & South East Prestige Awards 24/25 – Historic Tourist Attraction of the Year! Visit their Friends of the Mint House website for when to visit and details of events they hold.
Pevensey Courthouse Museum
Just down the road from the Mint House is the former townhall, court house and gaol which dates back to the Tudor period and it is an absolute treasure trove. Down in the cellars you can visit the prison cells, whilst upstairs they have the 17th century Court Room and Robing Room where you will find information of every description about the area’s complex history.
Pevensey History Festival
From the 15th to the 31st August 2024, this festival includes village and churchyard tours, ghost walks, history talks, reenactments, smugglers and demonstrations.
Pevensey churches
St. Nicolas Church is the parish church and its history dates back to the Roman period. It was built on the original site of a Saxon or Priory church dating from the 5th century between 1205 and 1216. Nearby St Mary’s Church at Westham (the other side of the castle grounds) also has a fabulous history and is believed to be the first Church built by the Normans. They have a history trail. The churches are within walking distance of each other and well worth a visit.
Martello towers
If you’re a Martello tower hunter, there were a number of them in this area. Number 59 at Pevensey Bay was demolished in 1903. Number 60 and 61 have been converted into private houses and number 62 is inside a caravan park and has had an extension built onto the side. We have not visited these yet and are not sure what condition they are in (photo is of nearby Sovereign Harbour).
Pevensey Levels
Just outside Pevensey is a flat, marshy area known as the Pevensey Levels. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a large nature reserve. There is limited access to the marshes but you drive through them on the way to Herstmonceux and there is some access via a byway open to traffic and the 1066 Country Walk. Check Ordnance Survey Explorer 25 for details.
1066 Country Walk
The 1066 Country Walk is a 50 km walk that goes from Pevensey Castle to Herstmonceux Castle, Battle Abbey and Battlefield, Medieval Winchelsea, ending in historic Rye. There are a number of sculptures along the way.
Stone Cross Tower Windmill
Just to the west of Pevensey is this Grade II, fully restored tower windmill. It regularly mills wholemeal flour from local wheat, has a café, sells the flour and offers some tours. It is open the first Sunday of the month from 12 – 4 pm April to September and entry is free but check their website for full details.
Pevensey Bay Beach
Pevensey Bay was a fishing village, although at the time of the Norman conquest it was underwater. Today, it is a popular holiday destination and has a mainly pebble and shingle beach.
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